The Snuneymuxw First Nation (pronounced ) is the band government of the Snuneymuxw of east-central Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada. The Snuneymuxw First Nation have lived along the eastern coast of south-central Vancouver Island, British Columbia for an estimated 5,000 years. They are a Coast Salish people and their ancestral language is the Hul’qumi’num language.
The band's traditional territory covers 980 km², but they share 1040 km² of non-exclusive traditional territory with other First Nations of Canada.
The band now lives on four reserves near Nanaimo Harbour and Nanaimo River. The reserves were and are the smallest per capita in British Columbia. The band's population is 1,663, but 65 percent of Snuneymuxw people live off the reserve. The Snuneymuxw First Nation is also responsible for the operation of Newcastle Island Marine Provincial Park.
The Snuneymuxw have treaty rights pursuant to their Treaty of 1854, confirmed by the landmark R. v. White and Bob litigation of the early to mid 1960s, wherein the treaty was confirmed and enforced, and provincial jurisdiction was ousted. Douglas Treaties.
Read more about Snuneymuxw First Nation: Tribal Council Affiliation
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